Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescents with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Long-Term Prospective Evidence - PubMed
12 hours ago
- #antipsychotics
- #schizophrenia-spectrum disorders
- #meta-analysis
- The study compares the short-term efficacy and tolerability of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) versus placebo in children and adolescents with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
- A meta-analysis of 17 acute randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted, with 10 being placebo-controlled.
- Efficacy was measured using changes in PANSS or BPRS total scores, showing several SGAs (e.g., olanzapine, risperidone) significantly reduced symptoms compared to placebo.
- Tolerability results indicated higher risk of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for most SGAs versus placebo, with aripiprazole showing statistically higher risk.
- Long-term evidence on maintenance and continuation of SGAs in this population is limited, highlighting the need for more research.
- The study underscores the heterogeneity in TEAE risk across different SGAs and the necessity for adequately powered randomized continuation trials.